Choate, 33, posted a 3.47 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over 61 appearances with
Tampa Bay in 2009. He was especially effective against left-handed
hitters, holding them to a miniscule .141 batting average.

The secret to his success in 2009? Choate managed an excellent 65.3%
groundball rate, and in turn, a .244 BABIP (batting average on balls in
play), thanks to one of the best defenses in the majors. He was
pretty fortunate, it turns out. He’ll hope to duplicate his success as
a situational left-hander again next season, but he’ll compete with R.J. Swindle for the role during spring training.